Jeana

I just started to really get in to the Cotton Core wicks from Peaks, but of course they are gone now. When I look up other suppliers I notice that Peak changed the size numbers of the wicks compared to the wick charts and other suppliers. Does any one know how Peak Cotton Core sizing crosses over to the standard wick guide? For instance I really liked C-70 from Peak, what size would that be from the chart or other supplier?

I think you should start with something that is specifically made for candles in the beginning. Once you get more experience you can branch out to other types. If you wick properly there isn't much chance of the glassware exploding or cracking. Just do an Internet search and you'll find tons to choose from. Most people stay around 3" diameter or less until you get more experience.

Thanks, I'll order testers from some of these. I dont think im going back to Peak, I have a business to run and I have to be able to count on vendors not bailing suddenly.

Does any one know who sells this FO besides Peak? Maybe another supplier has renamed it? I really need it but of course Peak is closed.

Thanks, but it doesn't allow customizing the size.

I've always had Windows based computers in the past, but after my laptop just died i decided to go with a Mac this time. I love it but Im lost on how to make my own labels now. I used to have a program that I could create custom sizes, and most importantly create a front and back for the label. And of course I was able to add shapes and custom colors as needed. Unfortunately that program doesn't support Mac systems. Ive tried researching but most programs are advertising for mailing labels. Can anyone suggest a program to purchase or one that comes on the system for making product labels?

LOL, no comment! Anyone else???

Does anyone know where I can get candle dust covers like these? They are a standard 3" round, with either .18 or .24 width of paperboard. They have a slight coating on the side that touches the candle so wax doesn't get absorbed. I have a supplier right now but I absolutely can't stand them. I'm desperate to find a new one. I've done several searches online but I can't get any results. Any help would be appreciated

Thanks for looking for them guys. Pam, I saw that one too. It would be too small. The two I have are 6" tall. I was going to have them made smaller but I'm rethinking that now. I'm mad at myself for not getting more of them when I bought these. I have lots of the 2" and 3". So sad, these 2.5" are really nice!

I have a couple 2 1/2" diameter seamless aluminum molds from many years ago. I never really worked with them much before, but I pulled them out recently and fell in love with the results. I can't remember where I got them, but I want more. If you have any you want to get rid of I would love to buy them from you! I'm not picky about the height as long as it is the correct diameter. I have searched extensively online and haven't had any luck locating them. Or if anyone can refer me to a supplier of them it would be great.

I've been asked many times if I offer soap classes. I've started thinking about this more seriously now, but I'm not sure what a soap class curriculum would look like. I've looked online but only find people who are teaching classes themselves. Can anyone point me to a good curriculum to buy or guidelines for coming up with my own? Also, the classes I've seen online so far focus so hard on the values of the oils and creating your own recipe. That would have made me so bored I wouldn't have even started soaping lol. I could see that when you've mastered following some recipes but not in the beginning. I'm also wondering what a candle class curriculum would look like too.

This photo is kind of dark but it is an example of what I'm talking about. Not the clumping but the way it is setting up. I've seriously never seen this before.

The wax I bought in october was fine. I noticed the different texture at the end of Nov. and now all the cracking in my dec orders. I even have cracking in the melting pots when the wax recools with no scent or color in it. If I get some extra time tomorrow I'll post some pics of how clumpy my wax is from the box.

Has anyone else noticed changes in 464 recently? I"m doing everything the same (same scents, pour temps blah blah blah ......) that I have for years, but I'm getting cracking along the edges of the candles and circular cracks around the wick. I'm getting far more frosting than normal, and the tops are really smooth even after burning. Which we all know doesn't happen with 464 on its own. It almost seems like they've added something to it, like beeswax or something. I've never had this wax behave like this before. When I get my cases the wax is stuck together in large clumps now. I have to work to separate it back to flakes. The wax seems to have a sticky texture that was never there before. This has been happening for about my last 5 cases. So far, my wicking seems to be the same, but I'm getting frustrated with the cracks and appearance. Has something changed in the formulation of 464? I can compare candles made about a month ago and the one I've made now and they look very different.

That's too funny! Hey BTW emilyspoppy I PM'd you back but it said your inbox is full.

The candle maker is small. But I think I may have figured the exact scent they used by looking at the scents they offer seeing they get most of the scents from the same supplier. I have a tester on the way now.

Thank you Delta for sharing that. I would love to bypass resellers now, but I don't really know where to go. I will check out your place. Did you find when you had them make dupes the wick sizes changed?

I do custom scents with them all time. Usually I'm the one developing the scents for them though. This is the first time they have a request. I use the same containers and formulations so once i get the FO testing is a flash. The issue here is getting the exact FO or getting a dupe for a reasonable price. I already tested the rustic essential FO, it is ready to go but the price is crazy. Is there a way to find out where RE gets the FO I tested already? And for that matter, i have other suppliers I would love to find out where they get their oils from too, like candle science.

One of my accounts has fallen in love with a candle scent from another candle maker. They want me to duplicate it. I would love to simply contact the maker and ask them but we all know how we would feel about that, LOL. I was wondering if anyone has an idea how to figure out what FO was used? I've been doing this so long I feel stupid for asking but I'm desperate, LOL. I found a similar scent from Rustic essentials but with shipping it will run me about $20 per pound. I could potentially be going through about 20lbs per month. $400 a month on one FO is crazy! They won't tell me who they get the scent from so I can buy it in bulk. Anyone know how I can figure that out? And to make matters worse it is a time crunch too. They want the candle ASAP

The sample I have from RA has vanilla, spices and a hint of chili peppers. It's pretty cool smelling. It's so different and complex. The guy at Texas candle supply swore it was the same scent. But his is floral, and sadly a bit old lady perfume like I guess I could try bcs. Simply fragrant, have u tried wicks wares? They don't have a description.

I know RA turned onto Trilogy but I can't see any info how to contact them. Does anyone know how to contact them or if they are still in business? I got a sample from them years ago called Dusty Mexican Morning. Now I want to do something with it but can't find where to get it. Does anyone know which scent I'm talking about and maybe a different source for the scent? I ordered a sample from Texas candle supply but it isn't even close.

You'd have to talk to the guy who handles to soap oils at Columbus to explain it better. I told him once that I have customers who say they are allergic to coconut oil and he came up with an answer to that saying people wouldn't be allergic to their coconut oil. For myself, I can't use VCO in my body care products it makes me itch, but I can use my soap with 76 degree CO with out issue.

If you scent your soap, that could be more of the problem than the other ingredients. I was told by the guys at columbus foods that the coconut oil we put in our soaps doesn't contain the protein anymore that causes allergic reactions. If you are using virgin coconut oil that would be different.

Great video, and thanks for the feedback on your samples. I emailed them but haven't heard back yet. Any one have a phone number for their contact info?

Thank you so much TT. Now I can look into these, this is great! It appears they are out of California too. Both of you mention durability, I am concerned with this too. I'd like to try it though. I'd like to get away from the traditional lip balm packaging. I also hate shrink wrapping, feel like it looks unprofessional. At least the way mine look.